Vaugh will seek Republican nod in 118th

Nicholas J. Vaugh said Monday that he’ll seek the Republican nomination in the 118th Assembly District in an effort to unseat Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

“Albany is broken, dysfunctional and the north country’s voice is unheard,” the Ogdensburg city councilor said. “Now, more than ever, we need bold, new leadership to deal with the challenges and hardships that lie before us. I am that bold, new leader.”

Mr. Vaugh, a 22-year-old senior at Clarkson University, Potsdam, is the first in his party to announce. But he may soon have competition for the nomination.

St. Lawrence County Legislator David W. Forsythe said he’s considering a bid for the GOP nomination as well, and the Lisbon resident told local Conservative Party members that he’d like their line too if he runs.

Jefferson County Legislator Philip N. Reed, Fishers Landing, is also considering a run, according to Mr. Vaugh. Mr. Reed has previously declined to discuss his intentions. He did not return a phone call seeking comment Monday.

The district predominately follows the St. Lawrence River, encompassing towns between Cape Vincent and Massena. It also includes the city of Watertown and the towns of Canton and Potsdam.

Mr. Vaugh said he’ll also seek the Conservative and Independence parties’ endorsement so that he can appear on their ballot lines. The councilor said he has commitments from donors that will exceed $50,000 by month’s end.

The hopeful plans a three-pronged platform of job creation, fiscal accountability and reform.

“My opponent since day one has voted for a record amount of increased spending, taxes and regulations,” said Mr. Vaugh of Mrs. Russell. “That’s something we’re going to contrast.”

The councilor has routinely criticized the Democratic assemblywoman’s support of the 2009-10 state budget, which included an 8.7 percent increase in spending and $7 billion in new or higher taxes and fees.

Mr. Vaugh is also advocating against some of Gov. David A. Paterson’s proposals in the 2010-11 executive budget, including joining local leaders opposed to closing the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. He’s also introduced a City Council resolution asking state leaders to stop a one cent per ounce tax on soft drinks and sodas.

Mr. Vaugh will graduate May 8 from Clarkson, where he majored in political science and business. The councilor said, for now, he’ll focus on his Assembly bid instead of looking for other employment.

Jefferson County GOP Chairman Donald G.M. Coon III said he met Mr. Vaugh while the two worked on Robert W. “Bobby” Cantwell’s unsuccessful challenge to Mrs. Russell in 2008.

“He seemed to be a nice enough guy, very ambitious and pretty accomplished at a young age,” the chairman said Monday. “My hat’s off to him for knowing it’s something he wants to do. But certainly, there’s room for others to join the race.”

St. Lawrence County Chairwoman Nancy K. Martin could not be reached for comment.

Mr. Vaugh doesn't yet have a Web site, but you can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.